Thermal imaging device in combination with an image production system

Abstract

An improved thermal imaging device is provided herein, which includes an internally-mirrored autocollimating mirror, a multi-element detector and a diaphragm in the mirror for limiting the aperture of the multi-element detector. In the improved device the multi-element detector is offset from the optical axis. At a symmetrical point on the other side of the optical axis, at which the autocollimating mirror forms an image of the multi-element detector, a mirror is disposed. Such mirror project the image of the multi-element detector back to the autocollimating mirror. Such image is then reflected once more right way up and laterally unreversed onto the multi-element detector in such a way that each individual detector element receives its own image.

I claim: 
     
       1. A thermal imaging device having an optical recording system and a multi-element detector associated with a first mirror comprising an internally-mirrored autocollimating mirror which possesses, close to the pupil of the optical system, a diaphragm for limiting the recording aperture of the multi-element detector, wherein the multi-element detector is disposed offset from the optical axis, and a second mirror is disposed symmetrically at the other side of the optical axis at which the autocollimating mirror forms the image of the multi-element detector; wherein said second mirror comprises means for projecting the image of the multi-element detector back to the autocollimating mirror, from where it is reflected once more right way up and laterally unreversed onto the multi-element detector in such a way that each individual detector element receives its own image. 
     
     
       2. The thermal imaging device of claim 1 wherein said second mirror is a field lens mirror. 
     
     
       3. The thermal imaging device of claim 1 wherein said multiple-element detectors are 1-2 mm wide or high.